2010-2025 Audi Optical Defects, Scratches, and Chrome Peeling TSB

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2046229/5, dated December 12, 2024, to address customer concerns regarding optical defects, scratches, and chrome peeling on a wide range of its vehicles. This bulletin supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 66 number 23-98, which was dated April 13, 2023. The TSB applies to all Audi models from 2010 through 2025. The primary purpose of this bulletin is to define what constitutes a warrantable optical complaint and to outline the necessary documentation process for dealers.

This TSB is crucial for owners experiencing issues like Audi optical defects or similar cosmetic concerns, as it clarifies the conditions under which such problems can be addressed under warranty.

Symptoms of Optical Defects

Owners may notice various cosmetic issues on their vehicles. An optical complaint is defined as any change on a component that deviates from its standard condition and is considered a defect under warranty. This can include:

• Dents or shrink marks on interior or exterior components.
• Flaking-off paint or chrome on trim strips, both inside the passenger compartment and on the exterior.
• Discoloring or wavy components.

It's important to understand that not all cosmetic issues are covered. For instance, scratches, torn or broken components, or scratches on windows caused by external factors are generally not considered warrantable defects under this TSB.

What Qualifies as an Optical Complaint?

This TSB specifically defines what an optical complaint entails and what it explicitly excludes. A complaint is valid if it's a defect in material or workmanship. However, certain issues are explicitly excluded:

• Exclusions: Complaints such as scratches, torn or broken components, or scratches on windows due to external causes are not considered a fault under warranty. Additionally, screen issues like pixel errors or stripes on the instrument cluster, MMI screen, or AC control panel are not covered as Audi optical defects by this TSB.

Important Warnings for Owners and Technicians

Audi outlines critical guidelines that must be followed for optical complaint claims:

• Claim Rejection Risk: If there are no photos provided to document the optical complaint, the warranty claim may be rejected.
• TSB Usage: This TSB (2046229/5) must not be used for accounting purposes. Instead, the damage-causing component or a relevant, specific TSB should be used for claiming instructions.
• TAC Contact: A Technical Assistance Center (TAC) contact is not necessary for these types of complaints.
• Paint Complaints: This TSB does not relate to general paint complaints on the vehicle. These must be recorded as normal with a separate paint defect report.

Documenting Optical Complaints for Warranty

Proper documentation is critical for any warranty claim related to optical defects. Audi requires specific steps for technicians to follow when a customer reports an optical complaint. For all optical complaints, technicians must attach 2 to 3 photos of the affected part, along with the vehicle identification number (VIN), to the DOC-IT system.

Here's how to properly document the issue:

1. First Photo (Full View): The initial photo should capture a full picture of the affected component. The specific area of the defect or its cause should be clearly marked, for example, with an arrow. This provides context for the complaint. Technicians are advised not to place entire pages on the component when taking photos, as this can lead to underexposed images if the camera focuses on the white paper.
2. Second Photo (Close-up): A second photo should be a focused, well-lit close-up of the complaint area. Workshop findings should include a short textual description, such as "Shining surface, cannot be removed by cleaning."
3. VIN and Date: To ensure proper reference to the vehicle, every photo must include the vehicle identification number and the date. While the VIN may not fully fit on close-up photos, this is acceptable. Photos must not be edited. If the camera automatically includes the date in the photo, a separate date on the arrow is not required.

Warranty Information

For warranty coding, the damage-causing component or the relevant TSB should always be used. This approach also helps Audi address and fix these types of complaints in production. All parts and service references provided in this TSB (2046229) are subject to change, and technicians should always check with their Parts Department and/or ETKA for the latest information. Additionally, the Repair Manual should be consulted for fasteners, bolts, nuts, and screws that require replacement during repair.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 11012497